Your smartphone is about to get smarter

Canadians no longer have to be near a television or radio to receive emergency alerts from Alert Ready, Canada's National Public Alerting System. Life-threatening emergencies such as a flash flood, forest fire or chemical spill, will be broadcasted on compatible mobile smartphones in which officials can send a localized text warning directly to mobile devices.

A wireless alert for mobile phones is scheduled for today at approximately 1:55 p.m. to test the Alert Ready system. The test aims to familiarize the public with receiving mobile messages for emergencies. The wireless alert scheduled for today is part of Emergency Preparedness Week, an annual event that takes place during the first full week of May.

Emergency Preparedness Week encourages residents to take actions to be better prepared to protect yourself and your family during an emergency. Preparing for an emergency includes having a family communication plan, having an emergency kit and knowing the potential risks that could happen in Sault Ste. Marie and how you and your family can stay safe.

To learn more about being prepared, visit the Emergency Preparedness Showcase on Saturday, May 12 at the Home Show taking place at the John Rhodes Community Centre from 10-2 p.m. As a kick off to Police Week in Sault Ste. Marie, this is a great opportunity to meet with local emergency response teams, view demonstrations of emergency equipment and be entered in a draw to win a 72-hr emergency kit.

For more information visit us on Twitter @SaultFire, Facebook @SaultFireServices or saultstemarie.ca/getprepared.